Pesto chicken flatbreads spread pesto over flatbread or naan, top it with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes, then bake until bubbly, ready in about 20 minutes. Using already-cooked chicken and store-bought flatbread as the base means the oven time is only 8-10 minutes - just enough to melt the cheese and lightly crisp the edges, not to cook anything from raw.
Pesto Chicken Flatbreads
Ingredients
- 2 flatbreads or naan (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place flatbreads on the baking sheet. Spread pesto evenly over each one.
- Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- • Great use for leftover rotisserie chicken!
- • Add sautéed mushrooms, red onions, or spinach for extra flavor.
- • Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding more veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1/2 flatbread
- Calories
- 410
- Sugar
- 2g
- Sodium
- 560mg
- Fat
- 24g
- Saturated Fat
- 9g
- Unsaturated Fat
- 13g
- Trans Fat
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fiber
- 2g
- Protein
- 26g
- Cholesterol
- 70mg
Why you'll love this
- Baking at a high 425°F for a short time, rather than a lower temperature for longer, is what lets the edges of the flatbread turn golden while the cheese melts through in the same short window.
- Spreading pesto directly on the flatbread as the sauce base, rather than tomato sauce, gives the dish an herby, garlicky flavor distinct from a standard pizza.
Tips for the best result
- Watch closely during the 8-10 minute bake, as the instructions specify, since flatbread crusts thin enough to crisp quickly can also burn quickly.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken, per the recipe's own notes, since this recipe is built around already-cooked chicken.
Troubleshooting
The edges burned before the cheese melted.
Check a couple of minutes before the recipe's suggested time next time, since flatbread ovens and thicknesses vary, and thin flatbread can brown faster than expected at 425°F.
The flatbread is soggy in the center.
Don't overload with toppings, keeping the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes to the amounts specified, since too much topping can prevent the center from crisping.
Flatbreads turn out soggy in the middle.
try par-baking the bases for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
Best served warm; the recipe's own notes suggest this is a great use for leftover rotisserie chicken.
The recipe's own notes suggest sautéed mushrooms, red onions, or spinach for extra flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Pesto Chicken Flatbreads ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all components separately and store refrigerated. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor – they’ll taste freshly made in just minutes.
What’s the best cheese to use for Pesto Chicken Flatbreads?
Mozzarella provides perfect meltability, while fontina offers rich flavor. A combination of mozzarella with parmesan creates both stretch and depth for an ideal cheese experience.
Can I use gluten-free flatbreads for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free flatbreads work wonderfully. Just watch baking time as they sometimes crisp faster than regular versions. The toppings remain equally delicious.
How do I prevent my flatbreads from getting soggy?
Brush flatbreads with olive oil before adding pesto, don’t overload with toppings, and ensure any watery ingredients like tomatoes are well-drained first.
What can I substitute for chicken in these flatbreads?
Try roasted vegetables, white beans, shrimp, or crispy bacon. For vegetarian options, grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives work beautifully.
Save this recipe for later
Keep this recipe handy when you are planning another chicken dinner.
Save on Pinterest
